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Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

So I have to say I’m pretty sad that the cool, boxy Polaroid instant film cameras aren’t being produced anymore, but that hardly stops me from still getting my Polaroid fix in both taking and purchasing Polaroid pictures.

Fujifilm came out with the Instax Mini which takes Polaroid like instant pictures that are credit card size. They’re awesome if you want to have pics if you’re hosting a party or get together and want to share them with your friends. I have this camera and it’s a lot of fun. It roughly runs about $65.00 (not including film) and you can find it on Amazon.

(photo courtesy of Amazon.com)

If you’re well practiced and familiar with the ins and outs of Photoshop, there are step-by-step instructions on how to make your digital photos look like Lomo film (the same kind of look as Polaroids). I found a great tutorial online by Darren Rowse on how to transform your image into something that looks like it was taken decades ago. For Darren’s tutorial, click here.

(photo courtesy of Darren Rowse)

If you like the look of Polaroid and aren’t interested in taking the photos yourself, there are some fabulous artists on Etsy, one of my favorite go-to sites for all things handmade. One of my favorite photographers from Etsy is Irene Suchocki’s work. These prints are affordable (about $30 unframed) and would make a great gift or addition to a wall in your home. For Irene’s Etsy shop, you can click here.

(photo courtesy of Irene Suchocki)

Another well known Etsy artist who’s work has been featured in movies like “Sex and the City 2” and “Grey’s Anatomy” is Alicia Block. Her work is beautiful and very affordable. I just need to get my husband to finally hang one of her prints in our bathroom! The beautiful original “Anniversaire” print below sells for $35.00. Alicia’s work can be found by clicking here. I have to say, it’s hard to pick just one, they’re all so different and unique.

(photo courtesy of Alicia Block)

My new obsession is the “ShakeItPhoto” iPhone app from Apple for only 99 cents. It allows you to take photos on your iPhone and gives it that throwback Polaroid look. It even processes the photo as if it was coming out of an instant camera and you can “shake” your phone as your picture develops. Hubs loves the fact that he bought me an expensive camera and I’ve been taking tons of photos using “ShakeIt.” I told him it’s no different that having a hobby collecting cars – sometimes you want to drive an oldie. Below are some recent pics I’ve taken with the “ShakeIt” app.

(photos courtesy of Christina Straw photography)

If you love taking photos and are interested in workshops, Rayko Photo Center in San Francisco offers classes on everything from beginner Photoshop to digital black and white printing to digital field workshops in Muir Woods/beach (Rayko offers one-day sessions which is great for people with busy schedules). They also have dark room hours and youth programs. Rayko is the perfect solution to learn more about photography and enjoy your passion without have to enroll in art school.

I’m off tomorrow to Cape Cod for vacation and to take A LOT of photos. Hopefully Hurricane Earl won’t hinder that, but I might find some interesting photo ops in the next few days. Enjoy the weekend and Madras and Tonic will be back soon.